City have failed to make an impact in the Champions League two years running and languish 12 points behind bitter rivals Manchester United in the Premier League title race.

AS IT STANDS...

PD

W

D

L

GD

PTS

Man.Utd

26

21

2

3

31

65

Man.City

26

15

8

3

24

53

But Clichy, who was brought to the Etihad Stadium by Mancini, believes the Italian deserves time for the success and three trophies he has already brought to the club.

“Only time will tell whether the club decides to sack him or keep him, but he’s doing well," he told the Sun.

“It’s the people above who decide — but I believe he can take us higher.

“He’s the one who brought me here. Of course I’d like to see him stay. As a player you want to give your best for a manager like him.

“If you look at his record, he’s the one who brought silverware to this club, the FA Cup, Community Shield, Premier League. You have to give credit where it’s due."

Despite the FA Cup remaining the only likely trophy for Manchester City this sason, Clichy insists it is too easy to only consider the number of trophies won on a seasonal basis.

“It would be a big disappointment if we don’t win anything because when you taste it, you want it every year," he continued. "But it’s not as simple as that.

“Last season United didn’t win anything and this year they have come back strongly and it looks like they will win something.

“One year without a trophy is not a lot. If we don’t win this year, then next season we don’t compete for anything and so on for three or four years then it’s different, but that’s not the case. We need to stay calm.

“Being second and competing for the FA Cup is not too bad. The quality is there and I’m sure there is more to come from this team in years to come.”